Iranian soccer players who publicly defied the regime by refusing to sing the national anthem sought asylum in Australia, but their approval status remained uncertain until President Trump intervened. On Monday, President Donald Trump stepped in decisively, offering them asylum in the United States if necessary and urging Australian authorities to grant them protection.

This intervention took place against the backdrop of the Iranian regime’s long-standing brutality. Over the past 47 years, the Islamic Republic has systematically oppressed women and, in recent protests alone, is reported to have killed more than 50,000 of its own citizens. In Iran, peaceful protest is treated as a criminal offense, and state media quickly labeled the players “traitors,” exposing them to severe punishment, including the real risk of execution.

Without President Trump’s direct involvement, it is unlikely these athletes would have received visas from the Australian government. Trump personally contacted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, making it clear that the United States was ready to accept the players if Australia declined to host them. Shortly afterward, the athletes were granted permission to remain in Australia the same day. President Trump publicly thanked the Australian government for its decision.

Beyond saving these individuals from potential persecution, this episode starkly illustrates the dangers faced by anyone opposing the Iranian regime. It also demonstrates a broader point: if the United States and Israel succeed in helping deliver freedom to the Iranian people, it would rank among the most significant accomplishments of the Trump era, regardless of criticism from his opponents.